Increased Area Bear Activity Reported in September

It appears that black bear activity has increased in September in Tolland county and two towns in Hartford continue to lead the pack in reported Connecticut sightings.

For example, the Tolland Animal Control Department on Tuesday said it has received an increase in calls reporting "concerns of Black Bears in the area."

To date the bears have caused "any real concern" and, other than some reports of minor structural damage to chicken coops and bird feeders, they are "seemingly going about their own business."

There have been no reports of any acts of aggression towards people, officials said.

"It is normal for these animals to become more active at this time of year after having been in hibernation all winter," Tolland officials said. "If you see one of these wonderful animals making their way through your lawn, take a moment to enjoy the sight from a safe distance."

Two Saturdays ago, a police officer in Vernon was traveling back to headquarters at the end of his overnight shift when a black bear ran out on front of his cruiser.

The officer watched the bear cross Route 30 and head into the woods behind a church and toward Vernon Center Middle School.

Vernon Soccer Club officials were causally warning parents of the bear's presence during games that morning but the bear was not seen at the middle school fields.

Avon and Farmington continues to lead the pack when it comes to bear sightings reported to the the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Here is a look at sightings through Patch towns in Hartford and Tolland counties from Sept. 20, 2016 to the end of August pf this year:

Tolland County

• Ellington 14
• Mansfield 0
• Somers 18
• Tolland 50
• Vernon 0 (1 reported locally)

Hartford County

• Avon 511
• Berlin 28
• Canton 198
• East Granby 90
• Enfield 6
• Farmington 423
• Glastonbury 9
• Granby 181
• Hartford 3
• Manchester 3
• Newington 0
• Rocky Hill 0
• Simsbury 339
• Southington 48
• South Windsor 0
• Suffield 48
• West Hartford 182
• Wethersfield 0
• Windsor 95
• Windsor Locks 4

To deter bears from being on your property, be sure to keep all garbage in closed containers, don’t put food out in compost piles close to your home, put away bird feeders, do not leave pet food outdoors, and do not leave small animals outside unattended, experts say. Residents may hang wind chimes, bang on metal objects, or hit car alarm buttons to frighten them away. experts say.

For more information on Black Bears in CT, please click here to be directed to the CT DEEP Website.

Photo Credit: Paul Fusco/CT DEEP Wildlife Division